What will be Pep Guardiola's legacy as Barcelona's manager? Photo: Reuters

Former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola met with Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson in New York, and may have discussed who will take over at Old Trafford.

In a report by the Daily Express, Ferguson spoke to Guardiola about succeeding him at Manchester United, but team officials are denying any succession plan was discussed.

Ferguson, 70, was reportedly in New York to attend the US Open men's final and cheer on eventual winner Andy Murray, and only met Guardiola "by chance".

Rumors suggest Guardiola moved to New York to improve his English in preparation for the Premier League. He and Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho have been linked as the possible first choices should Ferguson leave the Red Devils.

After taking over the first team in 2008, Guardiola left Barcelona at the conclusion of the 2011-12 season, and won three La Liga and two Champions League titles during his tenure.